GMC Terrain Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 349 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the GMC Terrain across 17 model years. The 2010 model year has the most (48).
- 349electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 6mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $640typical repair cost reported by owners
- 34%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical electrical system repair on the GMC Terrain at $640, and half of them between $460 and $1,800.
Based on 8 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2015–2025), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 165 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 349 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 5 an injury.
GMC Terrain electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Terrain | 5 | 15% | 11,350 |
| 2025 Terrain | 4 | 31% | — |
| 2024 Terrain | 7 | 13% | — |
| 2023 Terrain | 7 | 18% | 24,000 |
| 2022 Terrain | 7 | 12% | 22,000 |
| 2021 Terrain | 7 | 19% | — |
| 2020 Terrain | 27 | 14% | 5,600 |
| 2019 Terrain | 39 | 21% | 15,900 |
| 2018 Terrain | 35 | 16% | 22,000 |
| 2017 Terrain | 9 | 7% | 45,500 |
| 2016 Terrain | 9 | 6% | 44,000 |
| 2015 Terrain | 31 | 10% | 47,000 |
| 2014 Terrain | 31 | 10% | 37,500 |
| 2013 Terrain | 22 | 6% | 47,500 |
| 2012 Terrain | 32 | 9% | 77,000 |
| 2011 Terrain | 29 | 8% | 89,500 |
| 2010 Terrain | 48 | 17% | 71,559 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system:ignition; power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I am reporting a recurring backup camera malfunction in my 2024 GMC Terrain AT4. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced repeated instances in which the rearview camera display goes completely black when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. This prevents me from seeing the camera image…
While driving on an interstate, vehicle became sluggish when accelerating. Took off on exit, engine was reduced to 50% power, attempted to drive to large parking lot, lost brakes, got the vehicle stopped in an intersection, would not shut off, go into neutral. Finally shut off, had to call tow…
a failing telematics module on your 2026 GMC Terrain is causing network corruption, leading to an erratic speedometer and loss of driver assistance systems while driving.
My 2022 GMC Terrain lost power and stalled while I was driving, creating a safety risk because I could no longer maintain speed in traffic. The incident involved a police response and a safety-related tow costing $250. On XXX, OnStar recorded diagnostic trouble code P129F. Tire Choice subsequently…
Avis Rental. Vehicle simply shut down while driving and would not re-start. Vehicle could NOT be put into neutral to move from roadway. Emergency services vehicles had to remain on site awaiting tow vehicle. Very dangerous situation.
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Terrains have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 349 owner complaints about electrical system for the GMC Terrain. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Terrain electrical system?
Yes: 1 safety recall list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix electrical system problems on the GMC Terrain?
Owners report a typical cost of $640 (half paid between $460 and $1,800), from 8 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
Other GMC Terrain problems
- Engine problems (1,211)
- Power Train problems (473)
- Visibility/wiper problems (428)
- Service Brakes problems (266)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (227)
- Air Bags problems (167)
- Exterior Lighting problems (100)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (100)
See all GMC Terrain problems.